What is the Difference Between Rebonding and Straightening?

06/24/2025 • Felipe Moraes

The main difference between rebonding and straightening lies in the chemical processes involved and the longevity of the results. Here are the key differences:

  • Chemical Process: Rebonding involves using chemicals to straighten hair, resulting in an artificial look. On the other hand, hair smoothening, which is a milder version of rebonding, involves applying a formaldehyde solution to hair, drying it out, and locking in the chemicals to reduce frizz and provide a more natural appearance.
  • Longevity: Rebonding is a permanent hair treatment, meaning that the straightened hair is expected to last a long time. In contrast, hair smoothening is a temporary treatment that lasts for about 4 to 6 months, depending on the hair care routine.
  • Appearance: Rebonding results in completely straight hair, while hair smoothening focuses on removing frizz and making hair more manageable without completely straightening it.
  • Damage: Rebonding can cause damage to hair due to the strong chemicals used in the process, while hair smoothening, being a milder treatment, involves less damage and is more suitable for maintaining the natural hair texture.
  • Maintenance: Rebonding requires regular touch-ups and upkeep, while hair smoothening does not need as much maintenance.

In summary, rebonding is a more invasive and permanent treatment that straightens hair, while hair smoothening is a gentler, temporary treatment that focuses on reducing frizz and enhancing manageability without completely altering the natural hair texture.

Comparative Table: Rebonding vs Straightening

Here is a table comparing the differences between rebonding and straightening:

Parameter Rebonding Straightening
Definition A permanent hair treatment that uses chemicals to break hair bonds and rebond them to straighten hair A temporary hair treatment that uses chemical and/or thermal processes to alter hair structure
Chemicals Used Strong chemicals like formaldehyde are used to break and rebond hair bonds Various chemicals and/or heating instruments like flat irons are used to temporarily straighten hair
Hair Effects Changes the hair structure and can cause more hair damage; may not be affected by environmental factors like rain and humidity Doesn't change the hair structure as much and may be less damaging; can be affected by environmental factors
Longevity Lasts up to a year or longer Lasts a few weeks to a few months
Hair Look Artificial straight hair look More natural looking, with some volume and movement maintained
Maintenance Requires touch-ups as new hair grows Requires more frequent touch-ups as the effect fades with time

Rebonding is a permanent hair treatment that uses strong chemicals to break and rebond hair bonds, resulting in straight hair that lasts up to a year or longer. On the other hand, straightening is a temporary hair treatment that uses chemicals and/or heating instruments to temporarily alter the hair structure, lasting a few weeks to a few months. Straightening does not change the hair structure as much as rebonding, which may result in less hair damage and a more natural look.

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